charlene_lane's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:7,522
- Reviews Submitted:475
- First Review:March 13, 2013
- Most Recent Review:January 29, 2022
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Step into the shoes of a detective who has been approached by the FBI to take over a terrifying case and stop a Dark Ritual!
Overall rating
2
/
5
7 of 9 found this review helpful
MEH, JUST TOO MANY HOS
PostedJanuary 15, 2015
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I've just completed the game and quite honestly I'm exhausted from all the HOS - which were every step I took.
You can play on either casual or advanced modes. There were no voiceovers but there was dialogue. You also have a diary.
The graphics were very old, quite faded and very grainy. Some scenes were alright but the majority I found hard to make out some items.
There were too many HOS which are played twice. I found that I couldn't take more than two steps without having to do one. Normally I'm okay with them, but found that they were too cluttered and grainy to make out some items - some of which were hidden behind other items.
The mini-games are very easy and don't take long. There is nothing I haven't seen before but I didn't mind doing them.
All up the game took me about 3 hours playing on Advanced mode. I had to use the hint a bit because I just couldn't see items well enough to grab them. Oh well, never mind.
I would definitely recommend that you trial the game first before buying it to check that you are comfortable with the graphics first.
Breaking news – Casey's father has gone missing on a remote island that carries a curse! Help Casey overcome the obstacles and solve this mystery!
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 14 found this review helpful
OLD SCHOOL BUT STILL ENJOYABLE
PostedJanuary 15, 2015
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review of completed game.
I got this game, not expecting much, however I was quite pleasantly surprised.
There is:
* Voiceovers;
* Casual, Challenging and Extreme modes of play;
* Journal;
* Interactive map;
* Achievements chest (20 of them);
* Find 30 scarabs/rare beetles;
* Find 6 rare plants; and
* Use special stones to help you.
* Casual, Challenging and Extreme modes of play;
* Journal;
* Interactive map;
* Achievements chest (20 of them);
* Find 30 scarabs/rare beetles;
* Find 6 rare plants; and
* Use special stones to help you.
I decided to play on Extreme mode which I found to be a good challenge. Please note that once you start the game you cannot change your mode of play. Also, in Extreme mode the hints are turned off. However, you can skip games if you don't want to play them.
Okay I must admit that the graphics were very old school - something I would have played a good 8-10 years ago. However, because the story was really good and it was a full on adventure game with plenty of tasks to do and lots of puzzles and hidden object games to play, that I forgave the developers and just got stuck into the game. And yes it really is a decent game.
Sound was good. There were a few different pieces of music which I hardly noticed. The accents of the characters were very strong but there is dialogue with it as well if you don't wish to listen to it.
You also collect along the way 6 bones which you will use a fair bit. These are: Light, Air, Water, Ground, Life and Fire. These are in the right hand corner, so if you get stuck along the way, try these out.
There were many hidden object games to play - about 30 I think. Some of them were a jumbled mess but I had no trouble finding any of the items and each one only took a couple of minutes.
I really enjoyed the mini-games. There were a huge variety of different ones to play - from sliding tiles, memory games, getting the ball into the hole, etc. I've seen them all before but I still had fun playing them. You can skip them if you want, but I relish challenging mini-games and that is why I joined Big Fish to play these sorts of games.
The interactive map also tells you where you still have tasks to do - this will come in handy if you get stuck anywhere.
The scarabs/rare beetles and rare plants are easy to see and grab so not much of a challenge there.
All up the game took me about 6 hours to play - so good value for money. It is possible to get most of the achievements, so that is feel good moment.
Definitely recommended for all fishes. Happy playing.
I recommend this game!
An unexpected invitation sends you to research mythical standing stones in Brittany.
Overall rating
5
/
5
84 of 92 found this review helpful
SO GOOD I DIDN'T WANT IT TO END - DESERVES A TEN
PostedJanuary 11, 2015
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Review of completed game.
Wow, this has to be the best game I've played in years. It has everything a fishie could want. There is:
* Voiceovers;
* Casual, Advanced and Expert modes of play;
* Interactive map;
* 19 achievements;
* Collect 40 mosaic pieces; and
* Collect 70 mistletoe twigs.
* Casual, Advanced and Expert modes of play;
* Interactive map;
* 19 achievements;
* Collect 40 mosaic pieces; and
* Collect 70 mistletoe twigs.
I played on Expert mode throughout the game. However, you can change your mode of play any time.
The graphics are gorgeous - everything is so clear and easy to see.
Sound is very good. Music is haunting and quite beautiful.
There are a variety of hidden object games - standard, silhouette and interactive. These had a good level of challenge and I played every one with relish. I really enjoyed them.
The mini-games are varied and had a great challenge. There are the usual sliding tiles, rotating discs, making potions, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed these as well.
You also have to collect 40 mosaic pieces and 70 mistletoe twigs (they have little white flowers) throughout the game, even including hidden object games. A hand DOES NOT come over these, so please keep a close eye out. If you find all of the mistletoe twigs then you get an achievement. The mosaic pieces are used as part of the game.
All up the game took me about 9 hours to play - not skipping any HOS or mini-games. So really good value for money.
I believe that Orchid Games have done a terrific job and will definitely be keeping an eye out in the future for them. They are so good that I think they could be contenders as the best gamers for 2015.
I would definitely recommend that you put this game in your collection. It is an absolute gem and my most favourite game now. Well done Orchid Games.
I recommend this game!
The Smithsonian Castle’s secrets lie in a Civil War past.
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
FULL ON ADVENTURE
PostedJanuary 6, 2015
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Review based on Game, Bonus and Extras.
Well, you won't be bored here. There is a huge amount to do and it is a fast well-paced game.
There is:
* Voiceovers;
* Agent, Field Agent, H.E.L.P. Operative and Custom modes;
* Interactive map;
* Achievements board;
* Collect 43 time pieces which goes into the Souvenir Room.
* Agent, Field Agent, H.E.L.P. Operative and Custom modes;
* Interactive map;
* Achievements board;
* Collect 43 time pieces which goes into the Souvenir Room.
I decided to play on Custom mode and turned everything off. You can also turn Hint and Skip off as well to make it more challenging. However, you can change your mode at any time.
First off, the graphics are absolutely brilliant. The details are crisp and clear and its easy to see everything.
Sound is very good. The music is orchestral and adventure style. I didn't turn it down at all throughout the game.
The hidden object games are interactive, silhouette and straightforward. These are very easy to do. In each HOS there is also a morphing object as well, so please keep an eye out for them. There are 16 in total and are quite easy to find. If you find them all, then you get an achievement.
There are a huge range of mini-games. These are also very easy but I did play them all and enjoyed them.
In the extras, you can replay any mini-games and HOS. There is a small mini-game where you go through each scene to find a souvenir and earn another achievement. You can also watch any movies and relisten to any music.
You can actually get most, if not all, of the achievements
All up the game and bonus took me about 6 hours to play, so a good length.
Overall, a really good game to play with lots to do. Its action packed, with likeable characters. There really is not much challenge in it though. However, I though EIPIX did do a terrific job and you can certainly tell that they put a lot of effort into making the game. Well done.
Happy playing.
I recommend this game!
Welcome to Holy Mountain Hotel, where all criminals are punished.
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
REVENGE CAN BE SO BITTER SWEET
PostedDecember 31, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review of completed Game and Bonus.
This is a good game from Elephant and I quite enjoyed it. There is:
* Voiceovers;
* Casual, Advance, Hard and Custom modes of play;
* Achievements Room;
* Diary;
* Interactive map;
* Find 22 Collectibles;
* Find 11 Character figures;
* Find some antiques.
* Casual, Advance, Hard and Custom modes of play;
* Achievements Room;
* Diary;
* Interactive map;
* Find 22 Collectibles;
* Find 11 Character figures;
* Find some antiques.
I played on Custom mode and turned everything off. I like that. It just makes it that little bit more challenging to play. However, you can change your mode of play any time.
Firstly, the graphics are first class. Its dreary and dark at the Hotel but everything is clear to see - even the grain marks on the floorboards! There is not much colour but the graphics are very apt for the game.
Sound is very good. The music is quite haunting and creepy. I loved that and turned it up really loud.
The story line is easy to follow and doesn't get complicated with too many characters or too much reading.
The hidden object games are a mixture of standard, interactive and silhouette. They are easy to do which is the norm for Elephant.
I enjoyed the mini-games. There were plenty of them which I have mostly seen before. One mini-game had me going for a while where I had to get the word 'Welcome' in the right order. I thought I would never get it, but finally got there in the end.
I found that I didn't have to use the interactive map at all. The items found were used almost straight away and I didn't have to travel a long way backwards.
The Collectibles, Characters and Antiques were too easy to find as I could see them straight away as I entered a new scene. I'm not really sure why they were even there really as there was absolutely no challenge to find them at all.
All up the Game and Bonus took me about 4 hours to play - not skipping or hinting any HOS or mini-games - so its not a long game, but I did enjoy it.
Happy playing.
I recommend this game!
A deadly secret lurks in the woods of Dire Grove!
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 9 found this review helpful
FUN AND YET SO CHALLENGING
PostedDecember 25, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review based on completed game and bonus.
Wow, where do I begin. There is:
* Voiceovers;
* You can choose to be a Male or Female Detective;
* Casual Hunter, Experienced Pathfinder, Hardcore Trapper or Wise Druid modes of play. You can choose Master Detective after you complete the game;
* Achievements Room;
* Interactive map;
* Find 9 landmarks; and
* Find 84 puzzle pieces.
* You can choose to be a Male or Female Detective;
* Casual Hunter, Experienced Pathfinder, Hardcore Trapper or Wise Druid modes of play. You can choose Master Detective after you complete the game;
* Achievements Room;
* Interactive map;
* Find 9 landmarks; and
* Find 84 puzzle pieces.
I played on Hardcore Trapper for the game and bonus and found this to be very challenging. I loved it and found it perfect for expert players. I did try the Wise Druid mode at first but found it too hard as I didn't have a pointer or any written dialect and it became too much as I was just clicking aimlessly around. So I started again on Hardcore Trapper.
I enjoyed the storyline. Its easy to follow and I liked interacting with each character. There are lots of twists and turns and a few surprises.
The graphics are truly amazing - clear, easy to see and well defined and detailed. Sound and music are great. I must admit that whenever I hear the MCF music I always get goosebumps.
The hidden object games are interactive and I really enjoyed them. There are the usual straightforward HOS, silhouette and putting items back. These are not hard to do and don't take long.
Now, the mini-games. These are extremely challenging. There are 5 hardcore puzzles in the main game and 1 in the bonus. Each one took me a very long time to do. I managed to conquer 3 but had to resort to the Strategy Guide for the other 3. I got to about 80% completion for these but got stuck and needed help. There are lots of other easier, non-knuckle biting mini-games as well in the game and bonus. If you are an expert player, you will love these, but beginners and maybe intermediates it might be easier to play Casual Hunter or Experienced Pathfinder instead.
There are 84 puzzle pieces to find, broken up into 5 jigsaw puzzles. When you have completed each one, you can use them as a screensaver.
The 9 landmarks are morphing and very easy to find. I'm not really sure why they were there really as there was no challenge in looking for them.
All up the game and bonus took me a good 15 hours to play - mainly because of those brain numbing mini-games but I loved every minute of it.
I most definitely recommend this game. You really do get your money's worth and to exercise the old brain cells at the same time. I will definitely be playing this game again.
I recommend this game!
You’re the only one who can save Taleworld from an evil queen.
Overall rating
5
/
5
45 of 55 found this review helpful
THROUGH THE MIRROR PORTALS
PostedDecember 9, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Review of completed Collectors Edition Game.
In this story, Alice is all grown up and working. However, mayhem has broken out in Taleworld and its up to Alice to find her parents and beat the baddies.
There is so much to do in this game and I played for many hours. There is:
* Voiceovers;
* Look, Gaze, Stare and Custom modes of play; and
* Interactive map.
* Look, Gaze, Stare and Custom modes of play; and
* Interactive map.
The graphics throughout the entire game were brilliant - very colourful and bright and easy to see and find everything. Sound and music were fantastic. Mad Head are well known for their gorgeous graphics and music.
The hidden object games are fairly easy to play and I enjoyed them all.
The mini-games are fun to do and range from being easy to medium. I did get stuck on one mini-game - the braille game. For some reason I just couldn't get the gist of this and I had to look it up in the Strategy Guide.
I loved going through the mirror portals between Taleworld and the real world - its sort of like time travel.
So, do you get the Collectors Edition or the single edition. With the Collectors Edition you get the extras of:
~ Game, Bonus, Treasure Hunt and Casino;
~ Three achievement boards;
~ Collect 45 cards throughout Game and Bonus;
~ Find 16 morphs in hidden object games.
~ Three achievement boards;
~ Collect 45 cards throughout Game and Bonus;
~ Find 16 morphs in hidden object games.
The treasure hunt is finding an item in each scene. When this has been done then you can go to the Casino. There are four different games to play which are such a lot fun:
~ Slot machine;
~ Putting the boxes back in place with the forklift;
~ Endless flyer - get Gears to the top; and
~ Shooting range.
~ Putting the boxes back in place with the forklift;
~ Endless flyer - get Gears to the top; and
~ Shooting range.
I had a blast playing these games - every fishy will enjoy these.
Personally I found the Collectors Edition to be worth its weight in gold. But its up to you to choose. Have fun playing.
I recommend this game!
You’re the only one who can save Taleworld from an evil queen.
Overall rating
5
/
5
19 of 20 found this review helpful
THOROUGHY ENJOYABLE GAME
PostedDecember 5, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Review of completed Game, Bonus, Treasure Hunt and Casino.
The main story revolves around you finding and helping your parents and to beat the enemy. The bonus section revolves around saving the castle.
So much to do in this game and I played for many hours. There is:
* Voiceovers;
* Look, Gaze, Stare and Custom modes of play;
* Achievements boards (3 of them);
* Interactive map;
* Collect 45 cards throughout Game and Bonus;
* Find 16 morphs in hidden object games.
* You have the main story, bonus chapter and Red Heart Casino.
* Look, Gaze, Stare and Custom modes of play;
* Achievements boards (3 of them);
* Interactive map;
* Collect 45 cards throughout Game and Bonus;
* Find 16 morphs in hidden object games.
* You have the main story, bonus chapter and Red Heart Casino.
The graphics throughout the entire game were brilliant - very colourful and bright and easy to see and find everything. Sound and music were fantastic. Mad Head are well known for their fine graphics and music.
The hidden object games are fairly easy to play. However, keep a beady eye out for the one morphing object for each game. These morph slowly and they can take a while to find.
The mini-games are fun to do and range from being easy to medium. I did get stuck on one mini-game - the braille game. For some reason I just couldn't get the gist of this and I had to look it up in the Strategy Guide.
If you don't feel like looking for the cards or playing the morphs in the hidden object games, you can do these together later.
The treasure hunt is finding an item in each scene. When this has been done then you can go to the Casino. There are four different games to play which are such a lot fun:
~ Slot machine;
~ Putting the boxes back in place with the forklift;
~ Endless flyer - get Gears to the top; and
~ Shooting range.
~ Putting the boxes back in place with the forklift;
~ Endless flyer - get Gears to the top; and
~ Shooting range.
I have a blast playing these games - every fishy will enjoy these.
All up, the game, bonus and extras took me about 10 hours to play. However, I only got 70% of the achievements. Hey they're harder than they look - try to better me and let everyone know.
Definitely recommend this game - you will have a great time playing. Now I'm back off the shooting range. Have fun playing.
I recommend this game!
Save your friends and escape from a deadly game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
DEFEAT THE EVIL GODS
PostedNovember 29, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Review of completed Game and Bonus.
Not a bad game, although it was over pretty quickly. There is:
* Casual, Advanced, Hardcore and Customer modes of play;
* Voiceovers;
* Interactive map;
* Achievements stand;
* Find 13 Collectibles; and
* Find red and blue flowers to buy furnishings in the Bonus Room.
* Voiceovers;
* Interactive map;
* Achievements stand;
* Find 13 Collectibles; and
* Find red and blue flowers to buy furnishings in the Bonus Room.
In the main game you play Alice Russell and in the Bonus game you play Evan to rescue your wife and child - Jess and Ellie.
I played on Custom Mode and turned everything off to try and make it as hard as I could. Unfortunately, even that was too easy.
The graphics are great - very colourful and bright. Everything is easy to see and to find clues. Sound and music are also very good.
There are a variety of hidden object games - standard, silhouette and interactive (hidden items). These are very easy to play and hardly take any time to do at all.
The mini-games are also very easy - they are so simple that I could do them in seconds. There a lot of them and I've seen most of them before, like memory games, sliding tiles, etc. My favourite was guiding the dog where to go in my sleigh. I enjoyed that one.
There are 13 Collectible people to find in the game and bonus - all very easy to see them. They are then put into the Achievements and you can read about them.
Keep an eye out for the flowers scattered throughout the game and bonus. Some are well hidden, and I found two in each scene. When you have collected enough flowers, then go to the Bonus Room and furnish the room. This looks like an apartment where you can buy a laptop, coverings, cushions, etc. It looks quite nice at the end.
Overall, the game and bonus took me about 4 hours to do. Its not a long game by any means, nor challenging. This game will be very good for beginners but for intermediates and experts, its just too simple. I am recommending this game because I know a lot of fishies will enjoy it.
I recommend this game!
Hop aboard to cross the border between life and death!
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
FUNNY, QUIRKY AND LOVED THE MINI-GAMES
PostedNovember 28, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review of completed game and bonus.
This is a great game with so much to do.
You have:
* Casual, Advanced and Hard modes of play;
* Voiceovers;
* Journal called "Guide";
* Interactive map;
* Find 26 skulls and 16 Explorers; and
* 20 achievements.
* Voiceovers;
* Journal called "Guide";
* Interactive map;
* Find 26 skulls and 16 Explorers; and
* 20 achievements.
I played on Hard mode throughout the game and bonus. I found that to be a good challenge. The hint and skip modes are off, so you are on your own.
You play the character Alan and you have to find your fiancé Catalina. You have the Guide to help you along the way.
The graphics are fairly good. Sort of cartoony in a way but it didn't take me long to get to used to it. The music is pretty much the same the whole way through and I turned it down after a while so I could concentrate. Sound is good.
I really enjoyed the mini-games. There are plenty of them which are not too hard but there is no hand holding either.
There are 26 skulls scattered about the game and with each one you find you can unlock either a Concept Art sketch or a replayable mini-game. I enjoyed those.
All up the game and bonus took me many hours - about 8 hours I think. There is so much to do and many places to explore and items to find that I really took my time in each scene to make sure I had grabbed everything.
Overall, I think this game is a gem. Definitely worth having a look at.
I recommend this game!